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ABSTRACT: Abstract Purpose: To investigate the characteristics and inpatient rehabilitation outcomes of persons who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from physical assault - a form of intentional TBI - and compare these outcomes to those of persons with TBI resulting from other aetiologies. Method: A prospective population-based cohort study using inpatient rehabilitation data from Canadian population-based administrative databases for the fiscal years 2001-2006. Outcome measures were measures of functional independence (motor and cognitive), as measured by the FIM™ Instrument, and discharge destinations. Results: Characteristics associated with intentional TBI were being male, younger in age and unemployed; living alone and having a greater likelihood of alcohol/drug abuse prior to admission. The intentional TBI group showed poorer total functional gains at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Multivariate regression analyses showed that persons with intentional injury were less likely to be discharged home. Conclusions: Persons with TBI from physical assault are a distinct clinical group in Canadian inpatient rehabilitation settings. These findings can support clinicians in determining proper assessment, management, discharge planning and post-rehabilitation care that target specific needs of persons with TBI resulting from physical assault. Implications for Rehabilitation Clinicians should have appropriate training to properly assess the mental health status of this patient group. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities should be prepared to provide services targeting psychosocial, substance abuse and interpersonal relationship issues to persons with a TBI from physical assault while patients are still within a hospital setting. Follow-up clinical care and community support services are warranted for those with intentional TBIs, including provision of occupational rehabilitation services, such as vocational rehabilitation. The discharge team should be responsible for ensuring appropriate discharge to community in the absence of family or other advocates on behalf of the patient.
Disability and Rehabilitation 03/2013; · 1.50 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and the Downs and Black (D&B) quality assessment scale and the PEDro and a modified D&B assessment scores in a research synthesis of the ABI literature. METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOMES: A systematic review of the literature from 1980-2007 was conducted looking at treatment interventions following an ABI published in peer-reviewed English language journals. Of the articles chosen for inclusion in the study, 165 were identified as randomised controlled trials (RCT). All RCTs were scored using two quality assessment tools: the PEDro and D&B quality assessment scales. Items from these two scales were compared to identify which questions addressed similar information.
The association between the overall PEDro and D&B scores was moderately high (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) indicating a significant relationship between these two quality assessment tools. When considering the modified D&B scores, which contained a subset of questions deemed most comparable to the PEDro scale, the correlation between the two was also moderately high (r = 0.68, p < 0.01).
Further analysis is required to investigate the strength of the relationship between these two scales in the assessment of RCTs.
Neurorehabilitation 01/2013; 32(1):95-102. · 1.63 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To outline new guidelines for the management of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) in order to provide information and direction to physicians managing patients’ recovery from MTBI.
A search for existing clinical practice guidelines addressing MTBI and a systematic review of the literature evaluating treatment of PPCS were conducted. Because little guidance on the management of PPCS was found within the traumatic brain injury field, a second search was completed for clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews that addressed management of these common symptoms in the general population. Health care professionals representing a range of disciplines from across Canada and abroad were brought together at an expert consensus conference to review the existing guidelines and evidence and to attempt to develop a comprehensive guideline for the management of MTBI and PPCS.
A modified Delphi process was used to create 71 recommendations that address the diagnosis and management of MTBI and PPCS. In addition, numerous resources and tools were included in the guideline to aid in the implementation of the recommendations.
A clinical practice guideline was developed to aid health care professionals in implementing evidencebased, best-practice care for the challenging population of individuals who experience PPCS following MTBI.
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien 03/2012; 58(3):257-67, e128-40. · 1.19 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The superiority of dedicated stroke rehabilitation over generalized rehabilitation services has been suggested by the literature; however, these models of service delivery have not been evaluated in terms of their relative effectiveness in situ. AIMS: A comparison of the process indicators associated with these two models of service provision was undertaken within the Ontario healthcare system. METHODS: All adults admitted with a diagnosis of stroke for inpatient rehabilitation in Ontario, Canada during the years 2006-2008 were identified from the National Rehabilitation Reporting System database. Each of the admitting institutions was classified as providing rehabilitation services on either a stroke dedicated or nondedicated unit. A dedicated unit was identified by the presence of a collection of geographically distinct, stroke-dedicated beds and dedicated therapists. Selected process indicators from the National Rehabilitation Reporting System database were compared between the two facility types. RESULTS: Sixty-seven facilities provided stroke rehabilitation services to 6709 adult stroke patients during the years 2006-2008. Of the total number of patients who entered inpatient rehabilitation, 1725 (25·7%) received care in eight facilities that met basic criteria for a dedicated stroke rehabilitation unit. On average, these patients took significantly longer to arrive for inpatient rehabilitation (37·2 ± 155·5 vs. 22·8 ± 95·0 days, P < 0·001), were admitted with higher Functional Independence Measure scores (77·5 ± 22·5 vs. 74·8 ± 24·5, P < 0·001), had significantly longer lengths of stay (42·1 ± 25·9 vs. 35·4 ± 27·2 days, P < 0·001), and demonstrated significantly lower Functional Independence Measure efficiency scores (0·62 ± 0·47 vs. 0·88 ± 1·03, P > 0·001) compared with patients who were admitted to nondedicated units. The proportion of patients admitted to a dedicated unit and subsequently discharged home was similar to that of patients discharged from nondedicated units (70·5% vs. 68·8%, P = 0·206). CONCLUSIONS: In Ontario, patients admitted to dedicated stroke rehabilitation units fared no better on commonly-used process metrics compared with patients admitted to nondedicated rehabilitation units.
International Journal of Stroke 02/2012; · 2.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Knowledge of the breadth, nature, and volume of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) research can aid in research planning. This study aimed to provide an overview of existing TBI and SCI research to inform identification of knowledge translation (KT), systematic review (SR), and primary research opportunities. Topics and relevant articles from three large neurotrauma evidence resources were synthesized: the Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative (129 topics and 1644 articles), the Acquired Brain Injury Evidence-Based Review (ERABI; 152 topics and 732 articles), and the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Evidence (SCIRE) Project (297 topics and 1650 articles). A de-duplicated dataset of SRs, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and other studies identified by these projects was created. In all, 145 topics were identified (66 TBI and 79 SCI), yielding 3466 research articles (1256 TBI and 2210 SCI). Topics with KT potential included cognitive therapies for TBI and prevention/management of urinary tract problems post-SCI, which accounted for 17% and 18%, respectively, of the TBI and SCI yield. Topics that may require SR included management of raised intracranial pressure in TBI, and ventilation and intermittent positive pressure interventions following SCI. Topics for which primary research may be needed included pharmacological therapies for neurological recovery post-TBI, and management of sleep-disordered breathing post-SCI. There was a larger volume of non-intervention (epidemiological) studies in SCI than in TBI. This comprehensive overview of TBI and SCI research can aid funding agencies, researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders in prioritizing and planning TBI and SCI research.
Journal of neurotrauma 12/2011; 29(8):1539-47. · 4.25 Impact Factor
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Brian E Maki,
Katherine M Sibley,
Susan B Jaglal, Mark Bayley,
Dina Brooks,
Geoff R Fernie,
Alastair J Flint,
William Gage,
Barbara A Liu,
William E McIlroy,
Alex Mihailidis,
Stephen D Perry,
Milos R Popovic,
Jay Pratt,
John L Zettel
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ABSTRACT: Falling is a leading cause of serious injury, loss of independence, and nursing-home admission in older adults. Impaired balance control is a major contributing factor.
Results from our balance-control studies have been applied in the development of new and improved interventions and assessment tools. Initiatives to facilitate knowledge-translation of this work include setting up a new network of balance clinics, a research-user network and a research-user advisory board.
Our findings support the efficacy of the developed balance-training methods, balance-enhancing footwear, neuro-prosthesis, walker design, handrail-cueing system, and handrail-design recommendations in improving specific aspects of balance control. IMPACT ON KNOWLEDGE USERS: A new balance-assessment tool has been implemented in the first new balance clinic, a new balance-enhancing insole is available through pharmacies and other commercial outlets, and handrail design recommendations have been incorporated into 10 Canadian and American building codes. Work in progress is expected to have further impact.
Journal of safety research 12/2011; 42(6):473-85. · 1.34 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) have consistently been reported as causing adverse outcomes for both patients and service providers. However, little is known about the DAMA of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objectives of this study were to develop a risk profile of DAMA patients in the TBI population, to examine factors associated with DAMA occurrence, and to examine specifically whether injury intention (unintentional vs. intentional) is a significant predictor of DAMA.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using hospital discharge data obtained from the Minimal Data Set (MDS) of the Ontario Trauma Registry for the years 1993/1994 and 2000/2001 on TBI patients aged 15 to 64 years.
The MDS review yielded 15,684 cases of TBI with an average length of stay of 2.7 days. Of these, 446 (2.84%) had recorded DAMA events. When compared with patients with unintentional TBI, DAMA was significantly associated with intentional injuries in those with self-inflicted TBI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.84) and other-inflicted TBI (aOR = 2.00; CI, 1.53-2.62). DAMA was also associated with younger age and a history of alcohol/drug abuse (aOR = 3.50; CI, 2.85-4.30).
TBI patients who leave hospital against medical advice are a high-risk population. Early identification of these patients could allow implementation of better prevention and management strategies, thus improving health outcomes and enhancing healthcare delivery.
The Journal of trauma 05/2011; 71(5):1219-25. · 2.48 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To profile the demographic, clinical and environmental characteristics of persons with acquired brain injury receiving inpatient rehabilitation services in Canada.
This study utilizes data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information's National Rehabilitation Reporting System, between April 2001 and March 2006. The data were collected from publicly insured institutions providing inpatient rehabilitation across Canada. The main outcome measures examined were demographic and clinical characteristics.
Adults with brain injury by traumatic (n=2675) vs non-traumatic causes (n=2759).
Approximately half of acquired brain injury patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation had non-traumatic causes of brain injury. Traumatic brain injury patients were more likely to be younger, male, from rural areas, and to make greater gains in rehabilitation. Differences were found in the types and numbers of comorbidities. However, patients from these 2 groups had similar lengths of rehabilitation stay.
These findings support a differential profile of patients by brain injury aetiology. This has relevance for staff training, resource allocation and future research.
Journal of rehabilitation medicine: official journal of the UEMS European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 03/2011; 43(4):311-5. · 1.88 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In stroke patients, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with poorer functional outcomes than in those without OSA. We hypothesized that treatment of OSA by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in stroke patients would enhance motor, functional, and neurocognitive recovery.
This was a randomized, open label, parallel group trial with blind assessment of outcomes performed in stroke patients with OSA in a stroke rehabilitation unit. Patients were assigned to standard rehabilitation alone (control group) or to CPAP (CPAP group). The primary outcomes were the Canadian Neurological scale, the 6-minute walk test distance, sustained attention response test, and the digit or spatial span-backward. Secondary outcomes included Epworth Sleepiness scale, Stanford Sleepiness scale, Functional Independence measure, Chedoke McMaster Stroke assessment, neurocognitive function, and Beck depression inventory. Tests were performed at baseline and 1 month later.
Patients assigned to CPAP (n=22) experienced no adverse events. Regarding primary outcomes, compared to the control group (n=22), the CPAP group experienced improvement in stroke-related impairment (Canadian Neurological scale score, P<0.001) but not in 6-minute walk test distance, sustained attention response test, or digit or spatial span-backward. Regarding secondary outcomes, the CPAP group experienced improvements in the Epworth Sleepiness scale (P<0.001), motor component of the Functional Independence measure (P=0.05), Chedoke-McMaster Stroke assessment of upper and lower limb motor recovery test of the leg (P=0.001), and the affective component of depression (P=0.006), but not neurocognitive function.
Treatment of OSA by CPAP in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation improved functional and motor, but not neurocognitive outcomes.
URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00221065.
Stroke 03/2011; 42(4):1062-7. · 5.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Mild TBI is one of the most common neurological disorders occurring today. For individuals who experience persistent symptoms following mild TBI, consequences can include functional disability, stress and time away from one's occupation. The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that include recommendations on the care of persons who have sustained mild TBI and associated persistent symptoms.
A minimum of four appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument to evaluate seven CPGs found via a systematic search of bibliographic databases and internet resources.
High AGREE scores were obtained for the domains Scope and Purpose and Clarity and Presentation. The CPGs fared less well on Rigour of Development, Stakeholder Involvement, Editorial Independence and Applicability. The number of recommendations addressing the care of persistent symptoms following mild TBI was meager, with the exception of military guidelines.
There is considerable variability in the quality of guidelines addressing mild TBI and, overall, the CPGs reviewed score lower on Rigour of Development than CPGs for other medical conditions. There is a clear need for clinical guidance on the management of individuals who experience persistent symptoms following mild TBI.
Brain Injury 01/2011; 25(7-8):742-51. · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Understanding how to structure educational interventions and resources to facilitate physical therapists' application of the research literature is required. The objective of this study was to explore physical therapists' preferences for strategies to facilitate their access to, evaluation and implementation of the stroke research literature in clinical practice.
In-depth, qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 23 physical therapists who treat people with stroke in Ontario, Canada and who had participated in a previous survey on evidence-based practice. Data were analysed using a constant comparative approach to identify emergent themes.
Participants preferred online access to research summaries or systematic reviews to save time to filter and critique research articles. To enable access in the workplace, an acceptable computer-to-staff ratio, permission to access web sites and protected work time were suggested. Participants considered personal digital assistants as excellent tools for quick access to online resources but were unsure of their advantage over a desktop computer. Therapists favoured use of non-technical language, glossaries of research terms and quality ratings of studies to ease understanding and appraisal. Teleconferencing or videoconferencing overcame geographical but not scheduling barriers to accessing education. To achieve behaviour change in clinical practice, therapists preferred multiple interactive, face-to-face education sessions in a group format, with opportunities for case-based learning and practice of new skills.
Physical therapists prefer technology-assisted access to resources and education and favour attending multiple interactive, expert-facilitated education sessions incorporating opportunities for case-based learning and practice of new skills to change behaviour related to evidence-based practice.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 10/2010; 17(4):786-93. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study examined characteristics of patients with acquired brain injury associated with wait times for inpatient rehabilitation compared with a control population of patients with acquired spinal cord injury.
This cross-sectional study was based on 9458 patients captured in the National Rehabilitation Reporting System in Canada.
Waiting for inpatient rehabilitation was found to be associated with language, geographical location, informal support, pre-admission living arrangement and payer source. The median differences in wait time, however, were at most a few days. Persons already receiving care had the longest median wait times.
The data reflect only the perspective of providers, and further research needs to examine days to inpatient admission using data from acute care.
Journal of rehabilitation medicine: official journal of the UEMS European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 09/2010; 42(8):773-9. · 1.88 Impact Factor
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Vladimir Hachinski,
Geoffrey A Donnan,
Philip B Gorelick,
Werner Hacke,
Steven C Cramer,
Markku Kaste,
Marc Fisher,
Michael Brainin,
Alastair M Buchan,
Eng H Lo, [......],
Nils Wahlgren,
Lawrence K Wong,
Antoine Hakim,
Bo Norrving,
Stephen Prudhomme,
Natan M Bornstein,
Stephen M Davis,
Larry B Goldstein,
Didier Leys,
Jaakko Tuomilehto
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the Synergium was to devise and prioritize new ways of accelerating progress in reducing the risks, effects, and consequences of stroke.
Preliminary work was performed by seven working groups of stroke leaders followed by a synergium (a forum for working synergistically together) with approximately 100 additional participants. The resulting draft document had further input from contributors outside the synergium.
Recommendations of the Synergium are: Basic Science, Drug Development and Technology: There is a need to develop: (1) New systems of working together to break down the prevalent 'silo' mentality; (2) New models of vertically integrated basic, clinical, and epidemiological disciplines; and (3) Efficient methods of identifying other relevant areas of science. Stroke Prevention: (1) Establish a global chronic disease prevention initiative with stroke as a major focus. (2) Recognize not only abrupt clinical stroke, but subtle subclinical stroke, the commonest type of cerebrovascular disease, leading to impairments of executive function. (3) Develop, implement and evaluate a population approach for stroke prevention. (4) Develop public health communication strategies using traditional and novel (eg, social media/marketing) techniques. Acute Stroke Management: Continue the establishment of stroke centers, stroke units, regional systems of emergency stroke care and telestroke networks. Brain Recovery and Rehabilitation: (1) Translate best neuroscience, including animal and human studies, into poststroke recovery research and clinical care. (2) Standardize poststroke rehabilitation based on best evidence. (3) Develop consensus on, then implementation of, standardized clinical and surrogate assessments. (4) Carry out rigorous clinical research to advance stroke recovery. Into the 21st Century: Web, Technology and Communications: (1) Work toward global unrestricted access to stroke-related information. (2) Build centralized electronic archives and registries. Foster Cooperation Among Stakeholders (large stroke organizations, nongovernmental organizations, governments, patient organizations and industry) to enhance stroke care. Educate and energize professionals, patients, the public and policy makers by using a 'Brain Health' concept that enables promotion of preventive measures.
To accelerate progress in stroke, we must reach beyond the current status scientifically, conceptually, and pragmatically. Advances can be made not only by doing, but ceasing to do. Significant savings in time, money, and effort could result from discontinuing practices driven by unsubstantiated opinion, unproven approaches, and financial gain. Systematic integration of knowledge into programs coupled with careful evaluation can speed the pace of progress.
International Journal of Stroke 08/2010; 5(4):238-56. · 2.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hemiparesis resulting in functional limitation of an upper extremity is common among stroke survivors. Although existing evidence suggests that increasing intensity of stroke rehabilitation therapy results in better motor recovery, limited evidence is available on the efficacy of virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation.
In this pilot, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial with 2 parallel groups involving stroke patients within 2 months, we compared the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of virtual reality using the Nintendo Wii gaming system (VRWii) versus recreational therapy (playing cards, bingo, or "Jenga") among those receiving standard rehabilitation to evaluate arm motor improvement. The primary feasibility outcome was the total time receiving the intervention. The primary safety outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing intervention-related adverse events during the study period. Efficacy, a secondary outcome measure, was evaluated with the Wolf Motor Function Test, Box and Block Test, and Stroke Impact Scale at 4 weeks after intervention.
Overall, 22 of 110 (20%) of screened patients were randomized. The mean age (range) was 61.3 (41 to 83) years. Two participants dropped out after a training session. The interventions were successfully delivered in 9 of 10 participants in the VRWii and 8 of 10 in the recreational therapy arm. The mean total session time was 388 minutes in the recreational therapy group compared with 364 minutes in the VRWii group (P=0.75). There were no serious adverse events in any group. Relative to the recreational therapy group, participants in the VRWii arm had a significant improvement in mean motor function of 7 seconds (Wolf Motor Function Test, 7.4 seconds; 95% CI, -14.5, -0.2) after adjustment for age, baseline functional status (Wolf Motor Function Test), and stroke severity.
VRWii gaming technology represents a safe, feasible, and potentially effective alternative to facilitate rehabilitation therapy and promote motor recovery after stroke.
Stroke 07/2010; 41(7):1477-84. · 5.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To review the literature regarding techniques used to promote arousal from coma following an acquired brain injury.
A literature search of multiple databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO) and hand searched articles covering the years 1980-2008 was performed. Peer reviewed articles were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scoring system for randomized controlled trials and the Downs and Black tool for RCTs and non-randomized trials. Levels of evidence were assigned and recommendations were made.
Research into coma arousal has generally focused on the stimulation of neural pathways responsible for arousal. These pathways have been targeted using pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques. This review reports the evidence surrounding agents targeting dopamine pathways (amantadine, bromocriptine and levodopa), sensory stimulation, music therapy and median nerve electrical stimulation. Each of these interventions has shown some degree of benefit in improving consciousness, but further research is necessary.
Despite numerous studies, strong evidence was only found for one intervention (Amantadine use in children) and this was based on a single study. However, each of the interventions showed promise in some aspect of arousal and warrant further study. More methodologically rigorous study is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Brain Injury 03/2010; 24(5):722-9. · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is seldom considered in the diagnostic investigation in the poststroke period although it is a stroke risk factor and has adverse prognostic implications after stroke. One reason might be that widely used clinical criteria for detection of OSA in the general community are not applicable in patients with stroke. We hypothesized that patients with stroke report less sleepiness and are less obese than subjects from a community sample with the same severity of OSA.
We performed polysomnography in 96 consecutive patients with stroke admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit and in a community sample of 1093 subjects without a history of stroke. We compared the degrees of subjective sleepiness assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and body mass index between the 2 samples according to OSA categories assessed by the frequency of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep (<5, no OSA; 5 to <15 mild OSA; and >or=15, moderate to severe OSA).
Compared with the community sample, patients with stroke with OSA had significantly lower Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and body mass index for mild OSA (Epworth Sleepiness Scale 9.3+/-0.3 versus 5.6+/-0.5, P<0.001 and body mass index 33.1+/-0.5 versus 28.5+/-1.1, P<0.048) and for moderate to severe OSA (Epworth Sleepiness Scale 9.7+/-0.4 versus 7.1+/-0.9, P=0.043 and body mass index 36.4+/-0.8 versus 27.2+/-0.8 kg/m(2), P<0.025).
For a given severity of OSA, patients with stroke had less daytime sleepiness and lower body mass index than subjects without stroke. These factors may make the diagnosis of OSA elusive in the poststroke period and preclude many such patients from the potential benefits of OSA therapy.
Stroke 03/2010; 41(3):e129-34. · 5.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To review the literature on non-pharmacological interventions used in acute settings to manage elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and minimize cerebral damage in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI).
A literature search of multiple databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO) and hand-searched articles covering the years 1980-2008 was performed. Peer reviewed articles were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scoring system for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Downs and Black tool for RCTs and non-randomized trials. Levels of evidence were assigned and recommendations made.
Five non-invasive interventions for acute ABI management were assessed: adjusting head posture, body rotation (continuous rotational therapy and prone positioning), hyperventilation, hypothermia and hyperbaric oxygen. Two invasive interventions were also reviewed: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage and decompressive craniectomy (DC).
There is a paucity of information regarding non-pharmacological acute management of patients with ABI. Strong levels of evidence were found for only four of the seven interventions (decompressive craniectomy, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, hypothermia and hyperbaric oxygen) and only for specific components of their use. Further research into all interventions is warranted.
Brain Injury 03/2010; 24(5):694-705. · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To review the research literature on pharmacological interventions used in the acute phase of acquired brain injury (ABI) to manage ICP and improve neural recovery.
A literature search of multiple databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO) and hand searched articles covering the years 1980-2008 was performed. Peer reviewed articles were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scoring system for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Downs and Black tool for RCTs and non-randomized trials. Levels of evidence were assigned and recommendations were made.
In total, 11 pharmacological interventions used in the acute management of ABI were evaluated. These included propofol, barbiturates, opioids, midazolam, mannitol, hypertonic saline, corticosteroids, progesterone, bradykinin antagonists, dimethyl sulphoxide and cannabinoids. Of these interventions, corticosteroids were found to be contraindicated and cannabinoids were reported as ineffective. The other nine interventions demonstrated some benefit for treatment of acute ABI. However, rarely did these benefits result in improved long-term patient outcomes.
Substantial research has been devoted to evaluating the use of pharmacological interventions in the acute management of ABI. However, much of this research has focused on the application of individual interventions in small single-site trials. Future research will need to establish larger patient samples to evaluate the benefits of combined interventions within specific patient populations.
Brain Injury 01/2010; 24(5):706-21. · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study explored the relative strength of five neuropsychological tests in correlating with productivity 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Six moderate-to-severe TBI patients who returned to work at 1-year post-injury were matched with six controls who were unemployed after 1 year based on age, severity of injury, and Functional Independence Measure scores. Five neuropsychological tests were administered to patients during inpatient rehabilitation. Two of the five tests (Symbol Digit and Block Design) discriminated TBI patients based on employment outcome. Symbol Digit and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test were significantly correlated with follow-up Functional Independence Measure scores. Results indicate that neuropsychological measures of visual perception (Block Design), and attention and mental speed (Symbol Digit) may be useful predictors of employment productivity after TBI; whereas attention and mental speed, learning and memory ability (Symbol Digit and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) may predict functional outcomes.
International journal of rehabilitation research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue internationale de recherches de readaptation 08/2009; 33(1):84-7. · 0.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Little is known about physical therapists' experiences using research evidence to improve the delivery of stroke rehabilitation.
The purpose of this study was to explore how physical therapists use research evidence to update the clinical management of walking rehabilitation after stroke. Specific objectives were to identify physical therapists' clinical questions related to walking rehabilitation, sources of information sought to address these questions, and factors influencing the incorporation of research evidence into practice.
Two authors conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 23 physical therapists who treat people with stroke and who had participated in a previous survey on evidence-based practice. Data were analyzed with a constant comparative approach to identify emerging themes.
Therapists commonly raised questions about the selection of treatments or outcome measures. Therapists relied foremost on peers for information because of their availability, ease of access, and minimal cost. Participants sought information from research literature themselves or with the help of librarians or students. Research syntheses (eg, systematic reviews) enabled access to a body of research. Older therapists described insufficient computer and search skills. Most participants considered appraisal and application of research findings challenging and identified insufficient time and peer isolation as organizational barriers to the use of research.
Physical therapists require efficient access to research syntheses primarily to inform the measurement and treatment of walking limitation after stroke. Continuing education is needed to enhance skills in appraising research findings and applying them to practice. Older therapists require additional training to develop computer and search skills. Peer networks and student internships may optimize the exchange of new knowledge for therapists working in isolation.
Physical Therapy 04/2009; 89(6):556-68. · 3.11 Impact Factor
